The Alford Family

Sampson.....a mighty man!

2010-04-26T09:00:00.006-05:00

This morning we shared with the kids the story of Sampson. In Judges chapter 13 it says an angel appeared to Sampson's mother saying she will bear a son and what she is to do. She told her husband who prayed to God asking that the angel return to teach them how to raise this son, and so the angel returned telling them exactly how to raise this son. Just like as parents we are told how to raise our kids. There are certain things we do to protect them from the world. There are boundaries that we set and rules to abide by that should line up with the Word. We don't have to apologize for keeping the standard set by the Word of God. Sampson grew up pure from so much of the world around him. While people were drinking wine, he did not. While people were doing things that were unclean, he did not. His strength was supernatural because of his obedience. He killed a lion with his bear hands....which we shared with the kids how the lion is the king of the jungle because of its strength and ability. He picked up the gate to a city out of the ground, carried it up a hill and through it over a cliff. This young man was super strong. So, we shall be if we obey the voice of God and walk in purity.

2Pe 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord,

2Pe 1:3 as His divine power has given to us all things that [pertain] to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,

2Pe 1:4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption [that is] in the world through lust.

2Pe 1:5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge,

2Pe 1:6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness,

2Pe 1:7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.

2Pe 1:8 For if these things are yours and abound, [you will be] neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Unfortunately Sampson started to do things that were sin. Some today would say it is because he was so protected by his parents, and not allowed to do some things. That doesn't line up with Scripture. His parents obeyed what they were told and how they should raise their son. In his sin, he was keeping things from his parents, wanting things because "it pleased him", fornicating and ultimately making peace with the enemy. Here this once supernaturally strong man who could kill a lion with his bear hands was now in the hands of the enemy. Just like Satan is said to be a roaring lion walking about seeking whom he may destroy (devour). Sampson who had the strength (through God) to destroy the lion, we (through God) have the power to overcome Satan (the lion). The sin Sampson allowed in his life began to blind him to the point where he was completely blind and without strength. We are the same if we allow sin in our lives. Continuing in 2 Pe 1 verse 9 it says But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. What things? Look at verse 5-7. All this comes in the Divine power given to us. The story of Sampson has a good ending. He had enough Truth in him from his upbringing that he knew who to turn to. In his blindness where he was very weak, he cried out to the Lord asking that his strength return so that he may destroy those that blinded him. The Lord heard his cry and gave him the supernatural strength where he killed them all. We have to eradicate the things in our lives that cause us to be blinded. If you will humble yourself and call out to the Lord for His strength He will give it to you. Sampson died that day too, just like the Lord requires that we die to ourselves in order to live.
Matthew 16:24 If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Romans 8: 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

Are you being pro-active or re-active?

2010-04-09T07:34:00.002-05:00

Scott and I both read a daily devotion this morning talking about hating this life. The Scripture used was, “He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal" (John 12:25).

It moved us both, because lately it seems we have been doing our day to day things only to be frustrated. In the process we have hated things we've said or when we started doing it ourselves instead of trusting God. We both recognized the tendency to re-act to life instead of being pro-active...planning with proper tools for our next step. We desire to be disciplined daily and do what is expected of us as disciples of Christ and parents. In order to accomplish this we need to be pro-active and prepared for anything. We shared that with the kids this morning using illustrations they would understand so that they too can learn from this valuable lesson. The prefix "pro" means before, forward, forth, or prior to. The prefix "re" means with regard to, again, back. We need to have a plan of action spiritually. To seek God in prayer, by reading the Word, by worship, by fellowship, by serving. If we just react to what we know we should be doing then we will become frustrated or worst...spiritually dead. An example Scott used was Haven playing baseball. He said, to be pro-active is to practice every day for the position you want to play and be prepared way in advance. To react is to wait until the day of practice and then expect to play that position since you warmed up. Or with Peyton....he can come home every day and take 15 minutes to go over what they did in school that day, and when the test is given at the end of the week he is prepared. Or he can wait until the night before the test, try and cram for that test and fail. Do we want to live a life of wisdom following the Word and being obedient, or wait until we are older or know more before we step out and do what God has told us to do? You must have a plan and be prepared if you are going to be pro-active. Another example he gave was in big business' they meet with the board to determine what they can do to fix problems or make something better all the time. We need to do the same thing with our spiritual lives. Scripture teaches us to evaluate our lives on a daily basis. We need to ask ourselves, "What do I need to repent of (change the way I think)? Then change it! So, are you going to be pro-active or re-active?

Tomorrow is the first day of SPRING!!

2010-03-19T07:27:00.002-05:00

What a beautiful day today! We have had a pretty wet and COLD winter, so tomorrow is a day many of us are looking forward to. It helps when the weather is Spring-like!!

We have been discussing a lot in our morning devotions with the kids. The main focus being Discipline. This morning we talked about self discipline again. Scott grew up riding motocross and of course that trickled down to our kids. The boys currently race and Grace would love to do it if we allowed her. :) It is a family affair on the weekends to load up and travel to a race. On the weekends we don't race there is always a race on TV during the season that we will gather around to watch. The kids all have their favorite pro riders they support. We as a family support Kevin Windham because he and my husband road some together and he is a great rider to be his age. The kids each have different riders that they love. In talking about self discipline Scott used Ryan Dungey as an example. They did a segment on him for TV talking about his training for upcoming races. Racing is an endurance sport. You have to be in great shape and disciplined in order to win. It is 20 laps of pinned throttle and adrenaline. Ryan talked about not having a trainer like most riders do. He trains himself. He talked about days where he doesn't feel like getting out of bed when he needs to train or going to gym. He said he does it because when he is told to do something he does it more than what he was told. In other words, not only does he do what he was told to do, but beyond that. Nobody has to check up on him to see if he is doing it because he is self motivated to win. He does win too. He is a contender for the championship.

We encouraged the kids to have the same attitude in life. To be self disciplined is to say "I am going to do this....even if I don't want to, or don't like it, or it doesn't feel good." To be Christian it is doing it because God says so and it's the right thing to do. Even still you have to be self disciplined. God doesn't do it for you. WE have to do it ourselves. Whatever that may be on a day to day basis. Scott shared with the kids how when he was younger he had a friend Danny who would (on purpose) say something like "you can't jump off that bridge," and just because he said "you can't" Scott would say, "stop the car" to where he would jump off the bridge. The point wasn't stupidity of jumping off a bridge, because that was not using the brains God gave him, but the point of a challenge being made and him taking that challenge. Someone tells you that you can't do something (there are principalities, powers and darkness speaking the same thing to you every day), except the challenge and push to do it. He shared with them to have that attitude with school. This class isn't going to beat me, I will make a good grade. I want to graduate and not have the lowest GPA so I WILL make the grade. The fighting attitude to be self disciplined. I WILL....instead of I can't or I won't. That shows a character of the heart that will help you succeed in life both spiritually and physically. To be self disciplined. To meet the challenges of life and overcome. The alternative is to shrink back and give up. Hebrews 10:38 says Now the just shall live by faith: but if [any man] draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. It is saying...I don't care how big that mountain is or the size of the giants. I am going to go forward!! To shrink or draw back is to say it's too much or I can't handle it. You quit basically. Christ knew how big the Cross was and he pressed on forward meeting that challenge and overcame it. We are to do the same thing. When He dwells in us we have everything it takes to be just like Him. If we find we don't have that quality, then we must be honest with ourselves (why lie) and ask "does He really live in me?" The end of Hebrews 10:38 says that if we draw back the Lord has no pleasure in you. We encouraged the kids to not draw back to press forward and please the Lord. Isn't that what we are here on earth for? What an encouraging word. I hope it encouraged you as it did our family.

It's been awhile....

2010-02-21T13:00:00.003-06:00

I said I was going to post daily and look what happened. It's been months!!! I just happened to be looking at a blog from a business I like and said well I need to at least put something! I am home today (ON SUNDAY) with Haven. I hate that my little man is so sick, but I hate to miss meeting with the Church. I love to fellowship with all the people and hear what the Lord is telling them. I love to hear the testimonies and psalms they bring. I will have to get with them during the week so I am not missing too much...lol!! Another thing I love about being relational, is it isn't about ONE day....it's every day!! :)) Well I need to go serve my baby boy. Until next time.....whenever that will be. :)

MUCH love to you all.

Morning devotion with Kids - December 1st

2009-12-01T08:33:00.002-06:00

We have been making a practice of having the kids read each day and then share the next morning something that stood out to them from their readings. Grace started off the morning with Matt 12:31 which deals with Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit and the forgiveness of sins. She had looked up in the dictionary where it talked about Blasphemy meant to slander or speak evil against someone or something. I pointed out to her that it can also mean to resist the Holy Spirit. That we can blaspheme the Holy Spirit by resisting his convicting work. That by resisting his drawing our hearts get hard. In fact they can get so hard that we can get to the place where we can't hear the Holy Spirit anymore and He quits drawing us. We discussed where it talks about in John 16 that the Holy Spirit Convicts us of Sin, Righteousness, and Judgement and that if we resist his conviction of these that our hearts will become hardened and our minds become reprobate. This is a dangerous place to be.

Peyton's verse was out of John 9:1-3 dealing with the man that was born blind that Jesus healed. We tied this into the fact that Sin and Hard heartedness cause us to be Blind to God and the convicting work of the Holy Spirit. We also discussed that blindness can come because of no fault of our own, but because of our environment and things that happen around us. This can be because of the way we were raised or things that were taught to us at school, work, etc. We have to be cautious of what influences us because it can make us blind and hardhearted to God's word and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Haven then shared out of John 13:8 where Jesus talked of washing Peter's feet. Haven didn't quite understand this because foot washing is a major deal in america because of our luxuries. We explained to him that this was a humbling thing to do in those days. It was something that servants did for their masters. It took one person bowing before the other. This is what Jesus did for us. He became a servant and bowed himself down to serve us. How unworthy we are of this gift. We need to humble ourselves and allow the Holy Spirit to have its perfect work in us. Allow him to bring us to the cross and completely purge us. May he give us sight to see the things that he wants us to see. May we be filled with a Heavenly vision. One that reaps a reward for our Lord and Savior.

Be Blessed,
Scott

Colossians 3

2009-11-18T07:28:00.002-06:00

Colossians 3:1-25

vs.1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God.

The Question is conditional. First, are you risen and alive with Christ, if we are then we must seek Jesus, and the things of Heaven/Eternity.

vs.2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

The word affection means the mind and the thoughts. This action of thought involves your will, desires, and conscience. You must first be risen with Christ (a new creature) before your will, desires, and conscience can enter into the Heavenly things. Unless the heart has been regenerated through the new birth, you will not have the desire for the eternal.

vs. 3 For you are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

To be risen with Christ, you must first have been crucified with Him. If we have been through the cross with Him, then our lives are washed in His blood, and we are sealed with the Holy Spirit.

vs. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall you also appear with Him in glory.

If we have been crucified and resurrected with Christ, then He has purchased us. We have become His bride, and He is our husbandman and Lord that we must obey and follow. We long for the day we are united with Him.

vs. 5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

Mortify - to put to death, to make powerless, impotent

Romans 8:13 say's for if you live after the flesh, you shall die; but if you through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live.

This is done by the intervention of others. Just as the Jewish leaders intervened (Matt. 26:59) to put to Jesus to death, it is through the Holy Spirit that we put to death the deeds of the Body. There is no greater picture of putting to death the desires of the flesh than Jesus in the garden prior to His crucifixtion. He didn't physically want to die, but through prayer (communion with God), he submitted His will (desires) to God's will and received the power of the Spirit to overcome. Look at Matt. 26:36-46 (vs. 41), Mark 14:32-42 (vs. 38), Luke 22:3-46 (vs. 40,46). His disciples said they would die with Him, but when they needed to mortify their will, they slept instead. As a result, they all fled from Jesus, just like we have done during persecution.

Galations 5:24 say's and they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

If we are Christ's, then we must live and walk in the Spirit (vs. 25). We should produce the fruit spoken of in vs. 22-23.

Verse 5 of Colossians 3 sums up the works or desires of our members (flesh) in one word: IDOLARTRY! We might not build wooden statues to worship, but our idols are the god of self. We are selfish, self serving, and self gratifying. Self must be crucified if we are to be Christ's disciples. We must take up our cross and put self to death. Jesus commanded it. Look at these versus: 1. Matt 10:38-39 2. Matt. 16:24-26 3. Mark 8:34-37 4. Luke 9:23-27 5. Luke 14:26-27 Not only did Jesus command it, but He paved the way by setting the example for us.

Verse 6 For which things sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience 7) In which you also walked some time, when you lived in them.

God's wrath is poured out against the disobedient, those who obey their flesh/members and serve self. If we are Christ's, we shouldn't walk in these anymore.

Verse 8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

(3709) Anger - (Orge) to desire eagerly or earnestly (violent passion) wrath, anger as a state of mind. (settled habit of the mind) Aristotle says orge is desire with grief.
(2372) Wrath - (Thumos) a violent motion, or passion of the mind - more passionate and more temporary character of anger & wrath (thumos) is an outburst of (orge) anger.
(2549) Malice - (Kakia) wickness, an evil habit of the mind, while poneria (4189) is the act
(988) Blasphemy- (Blasphemia) The very worst type of slander. Wounding ones reputation by evil reports, evil speaking.
(148) Filthy - vile conversation, filthy communication - to be foul mouthed, shameful words coming out of the mouth.

Here Paul tells us to put off (cast off, put away, lay aside) these evil works and deeds. Each of these deal with the heart of man. The heart must be made new through the power of the Holy Spirit. God promises us a new heart.

Verse 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his deeds;

Paul could be warning them to not tell lies here, but I think he is refering to the lies of a false witness for Christ. It seems to me, that in the context of verses 1-9 that he is saying: Don't say your life is hidden with Christ and that you are walking with Jesus if these evil works are present in your life. Don't try to make each other think you are something that you really aren't. Put to death the old man and his deeds and follow Jesus.

Verse 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him.

He is finishing vs. 9, saying don't say you are a new man in Christ unless you really are, and that you are being formed in His image as a disciple of Christ.

Verse 11 Where there is neith Greek nor Jew, circumcision or uncircumcision, barbarian, seythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

Denomination, nationality, creeds, nor religion matters. What matters is that we are creatures in Christ. That our hearts have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and that we are living obedient to Christ.

Rest of Chapter 3 to come later......

Morning Devotion with Kids - Thursday, November 5

2009-11-05T06:56:00.002-06:00

It's been awhile since our last post, but honestly this was the last thing on my mind. :) We would like to be more consistent in sharing our lives with others. Therefore, my goal is to post every day sharing with you the devotion our family has every morning to start the day.

Today's devotion was on Proverbs 5:1-8 which states:
My son, give attention to my wisdom, Incline your ear to my understanding; That you may observe discretion, And your lips may reserve knowledge. For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, And smoother than oil is her speech; But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, Sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death, Her steps lay hold of Sheol. She does not ponder the path of life; Her ways are unstable, she does not know it. Now then, my sons, listen to me, and do not depart from the words of my mouth. Keep your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house.

Scott asked the kids....what is this talking about? He then shared with them it is talking about the wisdom of God versus the wisdom of this world. The wisdom of God is the Cross of Christ. Where we deny ourselves, die on the cross and follow Him. In following that we have discretion, understanding and knowledge. We have eternal life through Christ Jesus. He asked them to give examples for wisdom of this world. One was popularity. The wisdom of this world would tell you that in order for people to like you you must be attractive. The wisdom of God tells you that what's inside is what makes you beautiful. A converted heart is the most beautiful thing compared to beauty on the outside. The wisdom of this world will lie to you. The Proverb stated her lips drip honey and her speech is smoother than oil. The wisdom of this world will entice you and draw you with smooth words and things that your flesh likes. But in the end...she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. In the end the wisdom of this world brings death. Scott used the illustration of a balance (scales). He put 70 years on one side and eternity on the other. Seventy years because that is the average life span of most people. Some may live longer, but seventy is average. He then would call out wisdom's of this world (it's all about you, your happiness, etc..)...which side do you think was affected? He talked about doing things and then later regretting it. Like overeating. Yeah it tastes great while we're eating, but afterwards you are miserable. Or you do something wrong and you know it's wrong and guilt sets in. You wish you wouldn't have done it.....yeah your flesh wanted to do it, but man I wish I wouldn't have done that. The judgment of sin even starts here. So to say you are going to have seventy years of just pure pleasure and you'll worry about eternity later is foolish. Will either walk in the wisdom of God here...and God give us wisdom not so we can't do a bunch of things, but to keep us from the heart ache. The regret and guilt...ultimately death. Guess what happens during drunkenness, not only do you wake up the next day feeling bad, but your hurt people. You say and do things that cause hurt in peoples heart which causes a separation in relationships. It can get you into other sin too. There are versus that warn us to not follow after the wisdom of this world. The wisdom of this world is all around you saying....get all you can get, be all you can be, enjoy life to the fullest. It is all a lie. We were created to worship God. We were created by Him to walk in communion with Him. We did not come from monkeys or an amoeba....we are created beings, created by a living God who breathed his very breath into us giving us life. If we don't walk and commune with Him there is something that is missing and that is why we go searching for the things of this world...trying to fill a void that he put in us . Only He can fill that void. Giving a place of contentment and peace. That is His wisdom. That is His Word. That is what He's called us to walk in.

The Average Church in America

2009-08-29T11:20:00.002-05:00

Great word from a friend of a friend. Sobering...convicting, yet true!!

The Average Church in America

"Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people."
-Isaiah 62:10

"Set ye up a standard in the land, blow the trumpet..."
-Jeremiah 51:27

God establishes a group of believers in any given community so as to make Christ known through His chosen vessel, the local church. In essence, to make Christ known is to bring the Word of God alive in time. Or, in other words, to allow Jesus to do as He would do, to walk as He would walk, and to say what He would say through the yielded and sanctified vessel of the body of Christ. We may ask, how is this accomplished? Only as true, born-again believers come together in unity, embrace the cross, deny themselves, and purpose to fulfill the vision of God is this end realized.

Unfortunately, many suppose the local church is a place where they occasionally attend services to fulfill their felt needs. Though, there is some truth to this, God intended it to be so much more. The local church is God's chosen and ordained vehicle to raise up disciples. Thus, it is imperative that we understand our calling to the local church.

1 Cor. 12:18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

As we come together, wherever God has planted us, we realize our high and holy calling both individually and corporately. We see this life is to be a holy life. Anything less than a Biblical life cannot be described as a pure display of Jesus. And anything short of a manifestation of Christ can only be defined as dead religion. Religion, in essence, is a mere shell of true, heart-felt, vibrant Christianity. Many of us have seen and experienced the curse of religion and we certainly believe God intends for us something beyond the norm. However, being free from religion is far more difficult than discerning religion. Unfortunately, the vast majority of what refers to itself as Christianity in America is in actuality nothing more than dead, formal religion. Current statistics reveal that:

* Only a tiny fraction of church members attend all their weekly services.
* Only 27% of professing Christians pay their tithes.
* A survey of professing Christians in America revealed that the average church-goer prays less than 5 minutes a day, the average minister less than 7 minutes.
* Few believe in the reality of Hell or the Biblical conditions that must be met to realize Heaven.
* Only 45% of professing Christians in America believe the world will end as the Bible predicts.

The above statistics expose the vast balance of modern Christendom as nothing more than a gutted, powerless parody of N.T. Christianity.

2 Tim. 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Unless we make a conscious effort to contend for the faith and to hold fast to the truth, we will also succumb to this same pitiful standard. The spirit of this age applies incredible pressure upon us to conform to these worldly standards. The following are current religious trends and tendencies that we must not tolerate in our midst.

I. THE AVERAGE CHURCH IN AMERICA IS PRAYERLESS.

Matthew 21:12-14 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, 13And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

Almost every spiritual problem for the Christian can be traced back to prayerlessness (Matt 26:41). Moreover, a mark of the new covenant is a intimate walk with God through a persistent, overcoming, and diligent prayer life (Jn 17:3). Therefore, the ministry of any local church that fails to influence men into deeper communion with God is dysfunctional at best.

"No man is greater than his prayer life."
-Leonard Ravenhill1

A spiritual ministry produces spiritual men. A prayerful ministry will influence men to pray. When the local church no longer compels men to seek God, she has lost her way and waxes spiritually inept.

"To neglect prayer is a proof that the life of God in the soul is in deadly sickness and weakness."
-Andrew Murray

And, no doubt, the prayerful always mourn over the prayerless. In fact, prayerlessness may be the single most grievous condition for the prayerful.

"It would seem that the biggest thing in Gods universe is a man who prays. There is only one thing more amazing, that is, that man knowing this, should not pray...Brethren, The crying need of the church today is her laziness after God."
-Samuel Chadwick

II. THE AVERAGE CHURCH IN AMERICA HAS MADE A TRUCE WITH SIN.

Amos 5:15 Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the Lord God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph.

Contrary to popular theology, God intends for His sanctuary to be a place where sin is unwelcome.

Jude 1:23 ...hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

Frequently, the modern pulpit fails to communicate God's hatred for sin. Preachers today present a gospel void of conviction. The gospel prerequisites of godly sorrow and full surrender are often conveniently neglected. There is much reformation, but little repentance. Many may come to our altars, but I fear few are coming to Calvary. Multitudes sign the rolls of our churches, but how many are actually following Jesus? Consequently, the concept of the "new birth" has been watered down to accommodate the shallow spiritual experiences that abound. Sin is expected, even pampered. Church discipline is rarely if ever practiced. Most churches resign themselves congregations filled with religious hypocrites and tares. If the pastor denounces sin he is often accused of lacking love. Few seem to realize that true spiritual leadership demands constant confrontation, provocation, and conflict. A man who is not constantly rejuvenated by the Spirit of God cannot maintain the strength to resist the perpetual pressure to relax.

"Satan does not fear the brilliant preacher. He will compromise the work and give the preacher full possession of his study and great ability and reputation in the pulpit, if he, as a pastor, will let the people alone. Satan is well content to let Paul be the preacher if Satan can be the pastor."
-E.M. Bounds

III. THE AVERAGE CHURCH IN AMERICA IS HIGHLY UNFAITHFUL.

2 Tim. 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

Faithful: {Greek} pis-tos', Trustworthy; overflowing with faith.3

The Church, built through faith in Jesus Christ, should show evidence of faithfulness. Faithfulness is a product of true faith. If you want to find faithfulness, of all places you ought to be able to find it among a people of faith. In the average church member is more faithful to his secular job than to God's purpose for him in the local church. People disesteem the Body of Christ. They are loosely committed to the functions in the local body. Professing Christians today are generally uninvolved and uncommitted, you can rarely count on them. How can the tide be turned? Each of us must resolve, by faith, to be faithful in what God has called the local body to do.

IV. THE AVERAGE CHURCH IN AMERICA LACKS SPIRITUAL HUNGER.

Proverbs 27:7 The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.

There is little appetite for the pure Word of God. More often than not, people want to be entertained and amused. Like the children of Israel in the wilderness, their soul loathes the manna from heaven. Hence, it is rare to find anyone who is simply content with ol'fashioned Bible preaching/teaching.

Luke 5:1 And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God...

It's difficult to hold the attention of today's church for longer than an hour, and you almost have to do spiritual hat tricks to do so. Folks often seem bored with the Word.

Proverbs 26:15 The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth. 2. So little hunger for sound doctrine.

Amazingly, its common for people to sleep through sound Bible preaching. This is the ultimate insult, the highest act of disrespect to God, to fall asleep under His Word.

Moreover, this lack of hunger is also evident in the quality of spiritual service.

Proverbs 21:25 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.

Proverbs 22:13 The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.

In most churches 10% people do 90% of the work. People hate to be asked to do anything. They have, what we call in our church, the bare minimum spirit. People in this hour become wearied with a constant pace of sacrifice.
They become grieved if asked to give of their time for ministry.

Luke 10:2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few...

Remember, a week consist of 7 twenty-four hour days. Think about it, if you simply tithed on your free time, apart from necessities...

A week is 7 days x 24 hours = 168 hours - 40 hours work = 128 hours - 56 hours for sleep (8 hours a night) = 72 hours - 14 hours for devotions (2 hours a day) = 58 hours x 10% = 7.2 hours weekly we could give to ministry (this is not meant as a absolute standard, only an illustration).

V. THE AVERAGE CHURCH IN AMERICA IS A SPIRITUALLY DANGEROUS PLACE TO RAISE A FAMILY.

Neh. 4:14 ...remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.

I would be afraid to raise my family in most churches in America. The current doctrines that are taught promote disorder at best, rebellion at worst. Children are allowed to run wild, they wax disrespectful, and there is little standard for obedience. The teaching on the family is almost exclusively derived from the philosophies of the world. Families are divided and authority is often undermined. Men have forfeited their God-given responsibility to lead their home in spiritual matters to the women.

Isaiah 3:12 As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.

Order is not only neglected but disorder is often promoted.

VI. THE AVERAGE CHURCH IN AMERICA MURMURS AND COMPLAINS.

Philip. 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings...

Remember, an attribute of the children of Israel in the wilderness was that they murmured about everything.

1 Cor. 10:10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.

Because carnality is left unchallenged, church-goers in these last days can be found arguing over almost anything. There is nothing submissive or humble about the flesh. The flesh is a war-monger, it's petty, childish, sensual, devilish, and brutal. Hence, rivalries, clicks, and competition all flourish in the professing church. Among professing Christians an offended spirit is often common, and therefore, murmuring and complaining is the norm, rather than the exception.

VII. THE AVERAGE CHURCH IN AMERICA COULD CARE LESS ABOUT ONE ANOTHER.

John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

1 Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves...

If you can't find love in the Church where can you find it? People in this hour don't genuinely love one another. How can we know if we love one another?

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this,that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Love can be measured by how much we are willing to sacrifice so others can be strengthened in Jesus. Most are too busy with their own plans to give themselves to the local church. Hence, an independent spirit is a contradiction to God's plan in the local church. How can we truly minister if we have not forsaken our personal agendas? In the Book of Acts says...

Acts 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common...

Acts 4:32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul...

Church-goers today tend to occasionally show for a service (if it is convenient) and never seek fellowship with others until the next week, or month. This ought not be brethren.

1 John 4:10 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

We must nurture a pure and godly love for one another. Most people cannot graduate from the love they nurture for their family to extend it to their church family to the same degree.

VIII. LASTLY, THE AVERAGE CHURCH IN AMERICA IS WISE, DIGNIFIED, AND WIDELY ACCEPTED BY THE WORLD.

1 Cor. 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

To some degree, the spirituality of a Church can be measured by the horror it displays at the word "worldliness." Unfortunately, instead of seeking to be separate from the world, the modern church is searching for it's applause. Since numerical growth is the key indicator of success in the minds of many, they invariably are drawn to seek the world's approval. This is a formula for disaster and a mark of shame. When the world accepts the church the church has lost her testimony.

John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

We must be content to be branded as ignorant, unlearned, and foolish fanatics. We must seek the approval that comes from God alone.

Let us consecrate ourselves afresh to produce a spirituality that is, at least, above average.

A Dear Brother In Texas....we need to pray for him and heed his word.

2009-07-09T08:30:00.000-05:00

THE BATTLE is GETTING HOT
-Darren Smith. (5 Jul 09).

[Author of the "FALL OF BABYLON" word - reprinted below at the end]

Many people have labeled me as a doomsday prophet over the
last few weeks as God has sent the Words He gave me all over
the world. The overwhelming response has stretched us to the
breaking point....

I would like to share a couple of things with you guys about the
whole doomsday thing. I believe that Gods Kingdom will crush
all the kingdoms of the world. I also believe that we bring forth His
Kingdom when we live the Gospel and not just talk about it.

Just yesterday in the street in Galveston we saw 4 people
receive healing and all 4 where born again on the spot. We also
had testimony of several that received healing the week before as
well. 3 different people received the miracle of getting a house and
off the street after we prayed with them last week. As we minister
to these people, we share with them the power of God over every
aspect of their life and the fact that if they die to this life they are
raised with Christ and it is Christ in them, the hope of glory that
rules their life.

It's amazing that people who are in such bondage to sin and
so broken by this life can receive and step right into the Kingdom
so quickly when many who have been religious all their life still do
not live in the power of God. These miracles are available to all who
believe and enter into Christ but few ever enter in. We see so many
miracles because we are trying to expand the Kingdom of God and
not trying to build our own kingdom. Everyday we live a faith walk
trusting God for our daily bread and to use us in His Kingdom with
no care for what this world has to offer.

The freedom is understanding that if you are in Christ you are
dead to this world. Dead men have no rights but you do have an
inheritance that is secure in Christ.

With this said I will be faithful to speak what the Lord has me speak.
I believe words such as the Fall of Babylon are warnings to come
out of her and live for Christ. As far as the timing I believe that these
shaking's are already in motion, but I do realize that God may have
mercy and hold back giving more time to repent. Either way I stand
ready to advance His Kingdom in times of wrath or in times of peace.

Last, I would ask you to pray for us as we have come under attack
for the very words the Lord gave me to send out. Many have taken
these words as an attack on the USA, but they are not an attack,
they are indeed an indictment on the hedonistic culture that we
have created and the god of self that rules this land. This government
is so corrupt and is a tool in Satan's hand to hinder the Kingdom of
God, but many still hold to the thought that it is a God fearing
government to the point that they have sent the message of Fall of
Babylon to the authorities. I have been called a terrorist,
anti-American, anti-government, as well as a false prophet just for
simply sending out the word that God gave me. Even though this
troubles me, I will stand on the Word of God and continue to shout
from the mountains this message, as well as spreading the word of
the Gospel with signs and wonders without fear of man.

The time may come that the true church has to go underground, if
so we are ready for what ever comes. With this said, we will increase
the call to repent to this nation and its leaders who are spinning out
of control. May God give us time to bring in the harvest. If you are
dead to this world step into faith and live the Gospel.

A Great Word from David Wilkerson

2009-07-09T08:28:00.001-05:00

The psalmist writes the following about one of God’s greatest promises: “If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments; if they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments; then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes. Nevertheless my loving-kindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail” (Psalm 89:30-33).

God promises to never remove his loving-kindness from us, no matter how badly we may fall. Yet many believers skip lightly over the heavy warning in this verse: If we forsake God’s law and refuse to keep his commands, he’ll visit our transgressions with his divine rod.

The Bible tells us that whomever the Lord loves, he chastens. We see this truth illustrated vividly in David’s life. Consider how the Lord dealt with this man, a faithful servant who enjoyed God’s favor. At one point in his life, David sinned awfully—justifying it and keeping it hidden for months on end. Finally, God said, “Enough”—and sent a prophet to expose David’s sin. The prophet, Nathan, used an analogy to tear apart every excuse David had until finally the king admitted, “I’ve sinned—I’m guilty.”

David wrote, “My strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed” (Psalm 31:10). Like a hole in the oil tank of a car, your sin will slowly drain you of all resources. Your peace, joy and strength will literally drip away until they’re gone completely. David confessed, “Neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin” (Psalm 38:3). He was saying, “All my strength is gone because of my sin. My body has become weak because of what I’ve done. My iniquity simply won’t allow me to rest.”

David was experiencing God’s piercing arrows. He wrote, “Thine arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand presseth me sore” (38:2). Yet this beloved servant was being taught the fear of God. And part of his painful lesson was that he had lost the peace of the Lord. Now he cried out, “He weakened my strength” (Psalm 102:23).

I know Christians who lead lives of utter confusion because they continue to indulge in sins. These hollow souls are always downcast, weak, forever struggling but getting nowhere. I also know ministers who can’t sit still because of their sin. They’re constantly busy, working, never entering into the Lord’s rest.

It doesn’t matter who you are—if you harbor a secret sin, you’ll experience continual disturbances in your life, your home, your family, your work. Everything you touch will be out of kilter. You’ll become increasingly restless, confused, tossed about by endless worries and fears. And all of your peace and strength will be drained from you.

God does not want to expose his servants; rather, it is in his heart to forgive, cleanse and cover our sins. Exposure of secret sin is God’s last attempt to save a rebellious, hypocritical child who has determined to cover his sin, indulge, and play the part of a spiritual man. God’s rod is reserved only for unrepentant, unconverted, hardhearted, false believers. In love he will discipline his righteous one but the rod, the stripes, are for the lawless.

Feeling Old!!

2009-06-26T09:04:00.002-05:00

Well my first born turned 17 yesterday. Today I feel very old. :) I am also thankful for the mercies God has had in my life. To be a young mother, unwed, in sin and to have a son turn out the way Peyton has I am forever thankful. Now, this road has been bumpy and had a few hairpin turns as well, but through it all God has been there and we've learned so much. He is now a young man so close to adulthood. We aren't done yet as parents and continue to guide him and impart in him the words of the Lord. I pray they go deep so when he is out on his own it will speak when needed and he will respond in obedience. He knows how much we love him and what we've gone through to walk with the Lord. He knows the times we've fallen, but got back up because Christ is WORTH IT! He see's the realities and yet Christ is put in the center of them all. His boundaries are secure and set in place from times of personal death to self, humility when wrong and a life set apart for Christ. I know that the Lord will do what His Word say's and when Peyton is old he won't depart from Him. I know that Christ will call him, just as He called us. God is Faithful!! So Happy Birthday my sweet son. I am not sad, but so very happy for what is ahead for you. If you will just be obedient to HIS WILL for your life. We love you sooooo much!

Father's Day Weekend!!

2009-06-20T14:02:00.003-05:00

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO THE LOVE OF MY LIFE!! Scott is the Dad of the Year! I am so thankful for the man God gave me over 11 years ago. He was an instant dad since I had a 5 yr old. For someone that was in his twenty's he did a great job. He has grown into a dad that is giving, supporting and loving. We have three beautiful kids and each one loves their dad for all that does for them. Scott is truly a dad that is training his kids up in the Lord. He not only speaks the Word into their lives, but he teaches them Godly character. He wants them to be responsible and be able to make wise decisions. He works hard every day in the heat to provide a roof over our heads and food for our mouths. He doesn't complain "much" when I know it is super hard work. He is up every morning reading his Word and praying for his steps to be lead of the Lord. He handles the pressures of life so as to be an example to his kids. He is honest and forthright when he struggles, but is faithful to get up every time. Honey, you are a wonderful father and I pray this day is one of joy and memories for you. Your family: Kellie, Peyton, Grace and Haven!

Visting at Parents house!

2009-06-18T22:18:00.002-05:00

Well Mom and Dad got back early this morning from their trip to Dominican Republic. Me and the kids waited for their call, (since they went to bed late)then packed up and headed to see them. I made some homemade cinnamon rolls and she made a pot of coffee. That visit lasted all day. My big brother stopped by for lunch and stayed most of the afternoon. Scott and Peyton joined us after work and all had a great visit. It is good to have them home. Seems they had a great trip. God really moved on the hearts of those that went and those that were there. Many great testimonies from the trip. A great day with the folks!!!

"The Church exists for nothing else but to draw men into Christ, to
make them little Christs. If they are not doing that, all the
cathedrals, clergy, missions, sermons, even the Bible itself, are
simply a waste of time. God became Man for no other purpose."
-C.S. Lewis

Great day!

2009-06-14T18:20:00.001-05:00

Well we had our assembly here at the house today. Scott had a great word on "sanctification". Maybe he will type it up and post it. We all had something to share and testify of. We did miss Teryl and Diane as they are still out of the country. After we worshiped and shared the Word we ate a great communion feast. I cooked a craw fish and corn soup. YUM! The kids had seconds. Guess it was a favorite. Now we are outside cleaning up the yard. Love these times as a family....! :) Oh and people keep posting to my blog that are anonymous. I said in a previous blog that unless you can identify yourself it will not be posted. If I don't know you then how can you say things about me if you don't know me. Therefore, I won't post those either. Thank you for your interest though. :) God bless you all...!

Happy Anniversary!! 11 years today!

2009-06-12T09:49:00.002-05:00

Well it has been 11 yrs. today. I love Scott more today then I did when I excepted his proposal. God has been faithful. He has tried us through and through. He has broken us and molded us again to be ONE. We have learned so much in the last 5 years then the 6 prior. Those 6 years were full of immaturity and thinking we knew it all. We were unteachable. The last 5 years have been one of growth and loving the wisdom shared with us in order TOO grow. I would much rather be teachable than full of pride thinking I can handle this on my own. I am thankful for the loving hand of God that makes the two become One. Now, may our love be a light to those that sit in darkness, that they too may see the LIGHT and be free. As the marriage is a picture of the Church (bride) and Christ (bridegroom), may our marriage testify of His will for His Body. Thank you honey for loving God more than me and staying in the fire so that Christ is living in our home. I love you more than words can say. I look forward to the many years to come walking in the Light together, seeing our kids safe in the arms of the Lord and one day going into eternity to be with our Savior. Forever your bride, Kellie

Conditions......

2009-06-09T08:14:00.000-05:00

I was behind in reading the New Testament from our daily reading. I started in Hebrews chapter 1. As I was reading through something stood out to me in chapter 3 that I would like to take a minute to share.

Hebrews 3:6 say’s….but Christ was faithful as a Son over His house whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end.

It repeats in Hebrews 3:14….For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end.

That word IF stood out to me and UNTIL THE END. I did a word study on it and here is what I found.

The word house in verse 6 is talking about us being the temple where Christ is supposed to dwell (1 Corinthians 3:16) as well as house of God which is the church and the word church is not a building but a people/called out ones “Ekklesia” (1 Timothy 3:15).

Here are the If’s:

1. IF…..We Hold Fast

2. IF…..We’re Confident and Rejoice or Boast

3. IF…..We Hope Until the End

I broke it down even more and looked at each one.

1. We Hold Fast

a. Romans 11:22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shall be cut off. We need to hold fast to His goodness. If you read the context of that scripture it talks about His goodness and how we were grafted in. It is His kindness that leads us to repentance.

b. Hebrews 3:14 For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end. We need to hold fast to the beginning of our assurance where we became partakers of Christ.

c. Hebrews 4:14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. We need to hold fast our confession of Christ and to Christ. Christ being the Chief Priest of our confession.

2. Confidence (trust) and Boast (rejoicing)

a. Ephesians 3:12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by faith in Him. Our faith in Him should give us confidence to have boldness and access.

b. Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need. We should have confidence to draw near to the throne of grace.

c. Hebrews 10:35-39 Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. Don’t throw your confidence away. Put it this way…Don’t throw your Trust in Christ away, because there is a great reward.

3. Of our hope firm (true, faithful, sure, trustworthy) until the end.

a. Hebrews 6:11 And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end. We are to actively and effectively (not slothful) minister to the saints through faith and patience.

b. Hebrews 7:19 For the law made nothing perfect, but it was the bringing in of a better hope, by which we draw near unto God. A better hope (the redemptive blood of Christ) where we can draw near to God.

c. Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised. We should hold onto the hope of the promises of God, for He is faithful that promised.

d. Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Faith is NOW! What we hope for in Christ we can have now, even though we can not see it.

e. 1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Say’s it all! We have a hope through the new birth where we die to self and resurrect a new creature in Christ.

Finishing the race set before us.

2009-06-02T09:25:00.001-05:00

There were a couple of verses that I was thinking on during worship Sunday morning. Ron went on to talk about Hebrews 12:2 later that morning, but I didn't feel led to interject because he had a good word and was going in a different direction. I want to take a minute and share with you what the Lord was showing me this morning. Also, if you notice anyone that didn't get it, please forward because these were the only email addresses that I had of the attendees from Sunday.

Hebrews 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the Author (beginning) and Finisher (end) of our Faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Picture a runner before a race, many have on some type of clothing (windsuits, sweatsuits, etc.) over their running shorts and shirts. This other clothing is heavy and bulky. It isn't good running cloths for racing because it is restrictive. It keeps you from reaching your potential. Also, many runners put their running shoes on just minutes before the race because they are lighter and easier to run with, but they aren't always as comfortable as other shoes. Other shoes are built for comfort, but they are often heavier and bulkier.

This is the picture of the first verse, but our problem is that we get consumed with the besetting sin (clothes) and the weights and burdens of life (shoes). We then forget to run the race, or we try to run and tire out because we are dragging to much with us. Then when we try to run, we run it like it is a 100 yard dash instead of a marathon. If we take our eyes off of the finish line we will not make it. A few weeks ago, Peyton and I raced a cross country motorbike race. It was a 1 1/2 hour grueling race in the hills of Sicily Island. My first lap took 23 plus minutes. I was so tired after the first lap that I wanted to quit, but I couldn't quit because I was in third place. I kept telling myself to go just one more lap. Keep pushing and ride one lap at a time. I stayed in third place until the end of the third lap which was over 1 hour into the race. I had told myself that if I was no longer in third (top 3 get a trophy) that I would then quit, but when I came to the finish line, Haven was waving the white flag (which means one more lap). Now I couldn't quit because that would be a horrible example for my son. So I dug deep and finished. I did finish fourth, and I didn't get a trophy. What I did get was the confidence to know that I overcame. Although I lost the race, and some battles, I finished it. I pushed myself farther than I thought I could. Many times in Christ, we give up before we should. We quit right before the breakthrough happens in our lives. We have to look to finish this race no matter what it cost us or how bad it hurts. We need to readjust our sights and focus. We look at the pain when the race gets hard and we want to quit. It does no good to only run 25 of 26 miles in a marathon. You could lead the whole race up to that point, but if you don't finish then you lose all of the reward and prizes. Many grow weary, lose their focus and quit. God will not congratulate us for 25 great miles run in Christ, but will condemn us for not finishing the race in Christ.

Look to Jesus, his last mile was Horrific, but he finished. Why? Quitting or disobedience wasn't an option for him, and his focus was on his Father and His Will for Him. He knew the rewards of finishing the race, and He knew He had to focus on his Goal, God's glory. Through the Cross, God was glorified because sin was defeated, and Jesus took the keys to Hell and Death from Satan.

Now, let's look at another man who had a tough last mile to run, Stephen the Martyr (Acts 7). If Stephen would have backed off his preaching of Truth, this probably wouldn't have been his last mile, but God had greater things planned (Apostle Paul). Stephen had his eyes on the finish line and he saw the reward: (vs. 55-56) - But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the Glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, and said Behold, I see the Heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God.

Because of Stephens focus on the reward, Christ himself, he was able to push past all the obstacles, even death itself. Even in his death, with the heart of Christ, he cried out, Lord lay not this sin to their charge. I want that Spirit to richly dwell within me, but it takes obedience, focus, and throwing aside the things that hold us back. Jesus is well worth it.

One more thing that I noticed is that Hebrews 12:2 says ...Jesus is set down (seated) at the right hand of the Throne of God, but Acts 7:55-56 says... Jesus is standing on the right Hand of God. I believe Stephens Obedience and Faith brought Jesus to His feet as He watched what took place with His child. Just as a loved one or coach is standing close to the finish line of a race screaming, "Your almost there!!!" Encouraging that person to finish the race. God also revealed Himself to Stephen to carry him through his persecution and death. The more we obey and walk by Faith, the more the Father will reveal himself to us. The world and the love of the world and its treasures is what blinds us from really seeing God. What in our lives (yours and mine) robs us from seeing God. Every time in Scripture that a man sets himself apart to God for his use, God revealed himself to this man. May we be the people that set themselves apart to see His Holiness.

In Christ,

Scott

Happy Birthday Gracie Girl!!

2009-05-17T21:50:00.002-05:00

Today was my daughter's 10th birthday! We had a great day. First we went to assemble with the Body at the Hebert home. Our discussion was so rich in revelation (that is for another day...maybe tomorrow). Grace came with a word out of Proverbs 8 verse 8 & 9 where it says:

The prudent understand where they are going, but fools deceive themselves. Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation.

She said that those who are prudent or love God know where they are going because God leads them and tells them which way to go, but those that are fools listen to lies and "think" they know where they are going. They deceive themselves. Also, that fools make fun of guilt or conviction. They know they are wrong, but will brush it off and ignore it. Whereas the godly will acknowledge the guilt, repent and seek after being right with God. I love the fact that my 10 year old loves the Word and will ask questions and seek after understanding. I will protect that and fan the flame of that desire as long as I have her in my home. We took her to dinner tonight at Longhorn. They sang to her which made her smile so big. We had a great day with our little Grace.

This is the day the Lord has made...I WILL rejoice!

2009-05-04T09:07:00.005-05:00

God is so Faithful. Even in the midst of hard times He is right there. I love where it say's He will NEVER leave or forsake you and He IS our help in time of NEED. He has honored that more than one time in our life. This weekend was so good. We had the youth over on Friday night and Miss Lauren Jackson shared from her heart. The kids all listened and it seemed to spark something in them. They started passing numbers around to keep in touch and build relationships. Saturday we had ball games all morning and then I took the boys swimming and Grace went to hang out with Ashley. Sunday was a day of high expectation. We assembled at the Williams home in Albany...that is a small town in Livingston parish. We worshiped to Keith Green who was an awesome man of God that had powerful songs. We talked about the fear of God. Where is it today? So many Christian homes are void of it. Why is that? We discussed many things to encourage us in the Word to get our homes in order. It starts there. We MUST teach our kids the fear of God, because it is missing in this generation. We shared a great communion meal of red beans and rice....YUMMY!! That was our weekend. Today is a new day and a start of a great week. I have the choice to rejoice or allow circumstances to dictate my attitude and state of being. I decide to rejoice and Thank Him for His presence and faithfulness. Thank you Lord!

Great Quotes that apply to life today!

2009-04-19T14:50:00.001-05:00

Quotes of George Whitfield who was a great man of God that didn't water down the Word of God. He didn't care what others thought, he just stood on the Truth.

"When Jesus preached on the earth, there were many opinions about Him. Concerning who He was, some said He was Moses. Others said He was Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the ancient prophets (ref. Matthew 16:13-14). Very few people admitted who He actually was: the incarnate God. Common people heard him gladly and said He was a good man. But the ... Read MorePharisees, the evil leaders of the churches in His day, said He was in partnership with the Devil. They said He cast out demons by the power of the prince of devils. His own half-brothers were so blind that they tried to stop him from preaching. They said, "He is beside himself" (Mark 3:21). They thought He was insane. ..."

This is the way Jesus, the King of Glory, was treated. Ministers who preach correctly should not expect any better treatment. No, if we preach like our Master, Jesus, we must expect to be rejected, as He was. The reproaches that He suffered, we will suffer also. Common people will hear our preaching gladly. But ministers, especially pastors of ... Read Morelarge churches, who have never been converted themselves, will call us madmen. They will say we are deceiving the people. They will say we are under the influence of demons. ..."

"But a minister who is unwilling to suffer such rebukes from unconverted preachers is unworthy of the name "pastor." False prophets, who do not care about the people, love to have all men speak well of them.

"Blessed are ye, (says Jesus first to the Apostles, and then to all succeeding preachers) when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and ... Read Moreshall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake" (Matthew 5:11).
Indeed, it is not possible for such false preachers to do anything else. If they did not speak against the true preacher, they fear they would be asked, "Why did ye not then believe him?" (Matthew 21:25). We cheerfully go on preaching no matter what these false ministers say. We have no regard for what men or demons say against us, or do to us."

Spring Break!!

2009-04-15T15:18:00.003-05:00

This week the kids are out of school for Spring Break. We planned a trip up to go camping. We go the hunting camp which is about 600+ acres. We left on Monday. We had so much fun. We brought the boys moto bike's and had the four wheelers that were left there. We road ATV's most of the day on the first day. Peyton, Grace and Haven all fished. Peyton caught 16 fish. Most of them were bass. He caught one that was really big. The first night we watched Bedtime Stories after supper. It was okay...nothing to brag about. The second day we were there we road our bikes again. I got some good video of Scott and Peyton riding. Haven did so good...he went through mud and ditches and pot holes never once falling. He is doing really good. May even start to race soon. Oh the highlight of the trip was when I was looking for a pan, opened a drawer and saw several mice scurrying. I was not happy. Peyton and Scott tried to kill them, but couldn't catch them so we left them alone. They didn't bother us and we didn't bother them. I would see them run from the back to the front in the evening....that was interesting. At night you could hear them scratching and scurrying around the kitchen. NICE! Gotta love the country. The last night we sat around a bon fire and roasted marshmellows. The kids all got a chance to say one thing they didn't like about our family. We then discussed it and how we need to change. It was real good. We played sharades. That was so funny!! Got that on video as well. Hopefully I will get to post some of this soon. We didn't have running water or electricity. Only a generator. The water we did get only lasted for bathroom and a shower to "clean off".....so I need a shower BAD! :)

A discussion Scott and I had......

2009-04-11T10:19:00.002-05:00

The other day I had a couple of comments from my blog. This blog is set up to allow ALL comments. However, I am the moderator because this is a blog my kids read. There are people out there that could use inappropriate language. These comments were interesting to say the least. They had some accusations, some opinion, some false use of Scripture, some false judgment to name a few. Well, I have NO problem posting these type comments. The problem I have is that they were all anonymous. IF you are that passionate and believe what you are saying then put your name on it. To me that is proof of uncertainty. I know who I am in Christ and with my friends and family so nothing anybody say's will affect me. I say things that mean something to me and if it bothers somebody else then they don't have to read it. I post stuff all the time on my facebook about Christ, and my friends who I don't assemble with as a Church read it all the time. They have never once made a statment to me about it bothering them. They still talk to me like normal. Some are even unchurched and have said so. We are a strong family and we can handle other peoples opinion. We have nothing to hide. If anything that is why we have this blog and have opened it to everybody hoping that our home will be a testimony of Jesus Christ. Scott said from now on if you post a comment you MUST put your name or it will be rejected. If you put your name and it is not pure hatred then I will post the comment. I like to hear what people have to say. Thank you for coming to our blog and seeing what we are about. I hope to have more comments.

Daily readng today from Berean. Say's it all!!

2009-04-11T09:12:00.000-05:00

1 John 2:29

(29) If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.

1 John 3:3

(3) And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

1 John 3:9-14

(9) Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God. (10) In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother. (11) For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, (12) not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother's righteous. (13) Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you. (14) We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.

1 John 5:1-4

(1) Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. (2) By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. (3) For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. (4) For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world?our faith.

1 John 3:22

(22) And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.
Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

In several places, such as I John 2:29; 3:3; 3:9-14; and 5:1-4, John expressly states what the responsibilities of a converted person are. In these verses, the work of keeping the commandments is plainly shown.

The application of Paul's statement in Ephesians 2:10 is becoming ever clearer. He writes that we are indeed saved by grace through faith. However, he adds, "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Sanctification is a process involving a period of intense work: walking in love, keeping the commandments, and overcoming sin and the world, as John's first epistle clearly stipulates. This process within a relationship with the Father and Son brings us to completion.

Sanctification does not consist only of a lot of talk about religion. Nor does it consist only of spending large amounts of time studying the Bible and commentaries. As helpful as these might be, God also calls for a great deal of action. The apostle John again supplies helpful exhortation: "My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth" (I John 3:18). It could not be stated more clearly that the love of God is an action. Further, Jesus exhorts all His disciples, "If you love Me keep My commandments" (John 14:15). "Keeping" indicates consistent effort to obey as a means of expressing our love, loyalty, and submission to Him.

Paul writes in Romans 5:5, "Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which was given to us." The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is essential to salvation, and God gives it to those who obey Him (Acts 5:32). As we saw earlier, Paul says in Romans 8:9, "Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His." God gives His Holy Spirit for the very purpose of making one His child. It also allows one to witness on His behalf, to produce the fruit of the spirit in preparation for His Kingdom, and to glorify Him.

Jesus says in John 15:8, "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples." Sanctification is the period of our converted lives when God expects us to provide evidence that we are indeed His converted children. In fact, the fruit produced by our works, themselves enabled by God, are the evidence of our conversion. Some things in life are absolute certainties: Where the fruit of the labors of conversion are, there the Spirit of God will be found. Where those fruits are absent, the people are spiritually dead before God—they lack the life of the Spirit. Put another way, where there is no holy living, there is no Holy Spirit.

The works of sanctification are the only sure sign that one has been called of God and impregnated by His Spirit. Notice something Peter writes on this: "[Christians are] elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ" (I Peter 1:2). Paul adds in II Thessalonians 2:13, "But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth."

He also writes in Ephesians 1:4, ". . . just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love." When Paul saw the Ephesians' attitudes, their manner of life, and the evidence of their conversion, he knew they were part of the elect of God. He could thus honestly write to them with glowing praise. Many more similar verses could be added to these.

Out of ignorance, weakness, or lack of understanding, a person may break some of God's commands. However, anyone who boasts of being one of God's elect while willfully living in sin is only deceiving himself—and his claim may very well be wicked blasphemy.

Thus, because of the works that are performed during sanctification, it will always be a visible condition. As Jesus says in Matthew 7:18-20: "A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them."

What a GREAT day!!!

2009-04-09T09:28:00.004-05:00

We woke up and had our morning reading with the kids. I finished my daily routine in getting kids ready for school. I got on the computer to check my emails and read some emails that caused me to rejoice. Jesus said in Matthew 5 vs. 10 - 12 "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. "REJOICE, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. What a beautiful day.....my son and his friend are here helping me with my huge garden. We have been making rows. The wind is blowing giving us A/C! :) Scott is down the road working with Teryl (his partner in a land developing business) fixing some roads to sell lots we have. I have reason to rejoice there too, because that business has allowed Scott to be at home more with his family. It has allowed him to provide for us and be there at the same time. It has allowed him to start a business that will one day be given to our boys to help support them. It will also pay off 98% of our debt making us so close to being debt free. I have so much to be thankful for. I am thankful for the friends I have reconnected with from elementary school, middle school, high school and my neighborhood I grew up in. I am thankful for the friends I have with the Church that are rich and lasting. Man, what a GREAT day!! I look around me and I am blessed.

My comment after the post on What Jesus do you serve?

2009-04-08T09:08:00.005-05:00

I can say that I live for Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God that the Word speaks of. Before my conversion two years ago I can say that I lived for many of the "false jesus'." I had a jesus for everything that made ME happy. I had a jesus that went with the flow so to speak. One that never made me feel guilty or that I was doing wrong. I am so thankful the Lord had mercy on me and revealed Himself to me powerfully through His chastening and correcting. It was through that my eyes were opened and I saw the TRUE Jesus. He loved me that much to correct me. He could have let me continue to live the way I was, full of religion. I was so fake. I was so vain. It really boiled down to worship of SELF. The true Jesus that never sinned, that hates it. Jesus that is Holy and calls us to be holy too. No excuses saying, He was perfect and I am not. It isn't about that. It is about being obedient and if He says do it, do it! He won't tell us something we can't do. We are to work on it daily to look more like Him. The One whose blood was shed for me visited me in a powerful way. I am so thankful for His mercies that triumph over judgment. It was after I felt the total separation from Him and darkness that is tangible. I could feel the darkness and as though I was hanging over hell. A fear gripped me that is hard to describe. I knew then I was damned. I was lost. None of my "religion" or "good works" were speaking to me at that point. I KNEW I was lost. I remember sitting on Diane's couch at a ladies Bible study and the pressence of God was so strong. All I could do was whisper the words, "I'm not saved". This coming from a "Pastor's wife" who was leading a Church. I responded with repentance. I changed the way I thought. I went a step further since I was in an elder position to go to those that I hurt and ask forgiveness. I made right what I did wrong. I was to be above reproach and I wasn't. I was supposed to live in the world but not be of it. I was so worldly and carnal, but I was good at masking it. As I walked out repentance, HE spoke to me and said "not guilty". I knew then that my sins were forgiven and the JUDGE said I was right with Him. Now I live for the REAL Jesus Christ. The One that gave us the Word to live by and use as the standard of our life. TRUTH! He is the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE. THAT is the Jesus I serve now. I destroyed all the other jesus'...the ones that were lying to me and were false. Do they try and resurrect to tempt me, YES! Do I allow it, NO! I have to DAILY take up my Cross and follow HIM. The Cross is not a one time event. We have to revisit it a lot since we are subject to vanity every day living in this world. What is sad, is people can't hide what jesus they serve. Yet, they say they love Jesus with all their heart. Our lives show who we serve. One day when we stand before HIM, he will either say depart from me I never KNEW you, or enter in. We better judge ourselves daily and if need be visit the Cross and die to our desires/will. I know I will. We better not think the Cross is a one time event in our lives. We better not sell Jesus out for all the other jesus'. We better walk in the Truth of the Word and not by opinion. I for one will not back down when it comes to Truth. I may become an outcast to friends and family but I will not compromise in order to have those things. Hey, that may even come across to "some" as self righteous. You are welcome to your opinion, but I have the battle scares where I had to kill self and lay down my will in order to take up His will. I know the war that takes place and yet I have overcome because of obedience to Him. He tells me when I am wrong and when I need to visit the Cross. How? I know His voice, I read His Word (daily, not when I feel like it), I subject myself to His Body and the Light of fellowship (it's my life, not a once a week thing) and I listen to His prophets (not the false ones, but the ones that live the Word and their words line up with the Word). So I have the right to speak the Truth in love and be transparent.

Which Jesus do you serve?

2009-04-08T08:41:00.001-05:00

-Posted by Brendon Powell on Andrew Strom's webesite.

There seems to be more than one Jesus to choose from these days.
Which one is the true Jesus and who am I following?

· There's a 'seeker friendly' Jesus, he's the one who will not
offend anyone in anyway. He loves everyone no mater what they do.
· There's a 'sow and reap' Jesus, he made a covenant with man
so that man could sow his seed and reap wealth and happiness on
earth and then go to heaven when he dies.
· There's a 'blend in with the world' Jesus, he wants us to look
like, act like, and be like the world in order to reach the lost.
· There's a 'neverending grace' Jesus, his 'grace' covers us no
matter what we do or how we live.
· There's a 'just believe' Jesus. As long as you truly believe
in your heart, you're saved.
· There's a 'name it claim it' Jesus. You name it; anything and
it's yours! If you don't get it, it's because you lack faith. It's your fault.
· There's a 'carnal' Jesus. He doesn't expect you to overcome
sin, he understands you're just carnal.
· There's a 'heart dwelling' Jesus. All you have to do is ask
him into your heart and voilà, he's there. You're going to heaven!

Truth:

· There's the Jesus who said "Repent and believe the gospel,
the kingdom of God is at hand." -Mark 1:15
He said, "Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Him." -Lk 9:23-25
He said without Him you are already condemned. -John 3:18
He said He came to save the world -John 3:16
He said unless you forsake all you have, you cannot be His disciple.
-Luke 14:33
He said if we love anyone more than Him we are not worthy of Him.
-Matt 10:37-39
He said if you love this life you'll lose it. -John 12:25-26
He said you cannot serve God and money. -Matt 6:24
He said fear God who can destroy both body and soul in hell. -Mt 10:28
He said be extreme in your war against sin. -Matt 18:8-9
He said love God with all your heart, soul and mind and your
neighbour as yourself. -Matt 22:37-39
He said He is the light of the world. -John 8:12
He said the gate is narrow and the way is difficult and few find it.
-Matt 7:13-14
He said those who believe in Him but work iniquity will be
cast out. -Matt 7:21-23
He said you'll be hated for His name's sake, but if you endure to
the end, you'll be saved. -Matt 10:22
He said I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to
the Father but by Me. -John 14:6

Which Jesus do you serve?

The beginning of Spring

2009-03-23T08:54:00.005-05:00

It's been awhile since my last post. I have been busy outside. Enjoying the first few days of Spring. Scott asked me to help him with his yards this week and I had so much fun!! The only time I was not liking it was when I went under a big magnolia limb and it came down and smacked me on my ear. I thought I busted my ear drum...that hurt!! All in all it was a great day with the hubby. We got to end that day with a date night. Love the date nights!! The kids all went somewhere and it was nice. On Saturday I opened all the windows and let the fresh air in. I love when I can do that. It gets so hot down here so I take full advantage of this when we have the right weather. We ended up outside of course. Grace went to hang with Lauren & Rebekah and Scott took the boys to Amite to make a track. On Sunday we all got up and went to assemble with the Church. It was so good to see all of them. It seems lately that so much has kept us apart. God really spoke instruction to us today. It was such a sweet time in the Lord. God chastens those whom He loves. A sister had a word on are you really a son or daughter of God. She spoke out of Romans 8. The fact that so many "Christians" have their minds set on the flesh and lust of it. They are walking in the flesh and not the Spirit. The Bible is clear. It is better to not say I am Christian and live like the world then to say I am Christian and there is no difference. We insult His holiness when we live like the world and call ourselves Christian. Let me stop you now...I know your mind is saying "Don't judge me!!"...well let me tell you it isn't me judging you...it is the Word of God. My opinion stinks and means nothing....His Word is living and will judge us to see if we are really in the faith. If not, man be honest....don't be religious. There is nothing but death in religion....in humility and honesty there is hope. Oh and I judge myself daily to see if I am in the faith....He tells us too. We better....we are subject to the vanities of life each and every day, not to mention worldliness. If we don't judge ourselves against the Word then we are unteachable and rebellious. Independence is what gets us in trouble....we need Him. The day we think we got this is the day we become lukewarm and complacent. Back to Romans 8...it says those that are in the flesh cannot please God. It say's if we REALLY have Christ in us then we will walk in the Spirit. It says too that if we don't have the Spirit we don't belong to Christ. It goes on to say if we are led of the Spirit we are His sons/daughters. So....litmus test....if you are not led of His Spirit then I would evaluate your life "as a Christian" and judge it according to Scripture. If you are His, then do something about it....REPENT!! Humble yourself....He will draw near to you if you are humble and repent...but if you rise up in pride He will resist you. So don't be so quick to say....yeah I love Jesus....yeah I am a Christian. If you have the assurance from God in HEAVEN then you have the confidence in knowing you are His, but if you aren't sure then press in until you are. Don't take the word of man....get it from God. Now, don't misunderstand me...I am not rebelling against authority because God does place people in your life to help govern and bring order, but no one should tell you you are right with God. Saying a prayer doesn't make your right with God......it is a start, but you have to press in and get it from Heaven. When that gavel is hammered down the The Judge of all the earth say's not guilty......THEN you can have the assurance that you are in right standying with God. From that point you must learn from His Spirit and allow Him to guide your every step....if you fall, get back up and repent(change the way you think and never do it again), learn from that lesson, and go on. Let me interject here and talk about repentance....so many people think that is saying your sorry and never changing and then when you are convicted you say I'm sorry again. That is NOT repentance. Repentance is the change the way you think, never doing that again. Now will satan try to tempt you or cause a thought to pop up...yes, but if you've repented then you cast that down and call on the blood. If you've truly repented. If you have a nudge from the HOLY Spirit and it is specific to that particular sin, then you better look at that and see you didn't really repent. See the Holy Spirit will be specific....satan's condemnation is general. Although the Scripture says "MY sheep will KNOW My voice". Man I could go on and on.....I am sure about now you want me to shut up. Either you are mad as ever or convicted to the core. Either way I say all this in love. I have been there....I have had to deal with all this. I am speaking from experience. God is good though and His mercies are new every morning. If you allow Him to shine light on every area He is faithful to do it. Doesn't feel good, but I would much rather be judged here on earth than to face Him on the Great White Throne of Judgment.......makes me quiver to think about. Well.....I have just downloaded a ton...I hope it speaks to you as it has to me. Until next time.

Family Day at New Orleans Super Cross 2009!

2009-03-16T10:53:00.003-05:00

The wait was well worth it! Our family has been planning for months to go to New Orleans to the AMA Supercross. We went with the Brady's and had a ball. We met up with the Brady's in Satsuma and they took the boys while we took the other two and headed to New Orleans. We got there around 1:30 or so. It was crazy....the parking was insane, but we made it in. We got to see the practice runs and ran into a lot of people we know. Scott knows a lot of people in that arena.....every time I turned around he was saying hello and shaking a hand. I kinda got mad at him because he wouldn't ask anybody if they would take our crew to see the riders. He said that was cheezy....well in a way I agree, but it was for the kids, not us. Anyway, he did luck up and got 3 tickets to the pit, but all the racers were in the riggs getting ready for the big event. They did get pictures of the bikes. My kids were happy with that. :) We really had a good time. Great day as a family! We didn't get home until after midnight and into bed after 1am, but we were up and ready to assemble with the Body. Wouldn't miss that, not for all the entertainment in the world. We did honor one of the Sabbath rules and rested after we fellowshipped. :) That nap was good!! All the kids slept too. I must say this weekend was GREAT!! Great time with the family, Great memories.

2009-03-12T17:47:00.002-05:00

Substitute Teaching

2009-03-12T17:31:00.002-05:00

Well I subbed today. I haven't done it in so long. I must say I had a lot of fun. As a little girl I would love to play "school" with my friends. I grew up thinking I would some day be a teacher. Well that didn't happen!! :) I did get to actually teach today. I told my husband I actually understood what I was teachingl. He laughed at that.....long story!! So all in all it was a good day. I love when He uses everyday life to show us life lessons. If we have eyes to see and ears to hear He is faithful to teach. Todays lesson for me was how to pray without ceasing. As I was teaching the kids their lesson, I was praying of and on. I was thanking God for instruction. I was thanking Him for His Word that instructs us each and every day. I was thanking Him for the fires that I went through to become teachable!! :) I was thanking Him for His mercies. I was thanking Him for the understanding He gives when you ask, seek and draw near to Him. Well...I am home now and I now have my second (really first) job to tend to so I need to get off here. Until tomorrow!

Thankful for today

2009-03-08T15:46:00.004-05:00

A friend of mine made a statment this week about TODAY and that we should live it and not expect tomorrow, because it doesn't belong to us. God say's we aren't promised tomorrow. Well with all this stuff going on in our nation there is a lot of emotions. Anger, frustration, fear, and awareness to name a few. We must pray during this time and as we wait on what God would have us do we need to worship, serve and not faint. This is the time to allow our faith to grow and where we depend on God for all things. Where we aren't anxious but stay in a posture of prayer and thanksgiving. It isn't time to be me and God, but God and us. We must connect with the Body and live it....live what He say's and help one another. He is preparing His Bride and if you are apart of that then you will cooperate with His guidance no matter where it takes you. It isn't about being happy, but living for the Truth. That is the Rock we stand on. Thank goodness for the Word and the Truth that is revealed to us. Without it we would be toss back and forth with every thing that comes down the pike. Just a thought of mine. :)